Holiday arrests on the rise

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Nationwide statistics show an increase in certain crimes where alcohol is a factor around the holidays, and Madera County is no exception.

The combination of stress, economic factors, family problems and alcohol can all combine in certain situations where cases like driving under the influence and domestic violence are common.

“Typically this time of year is a stressful time for a lot of families, particularly if they have other problems come up, and they tend to be exacerbated at Christmastime and towards New Year’s,” Madera County District Attorney Michael Keitz said.

The 17-day period beginning Dec. 16 and running through New Year’s Day is a maximum enforcement period for officers looking for intoxicated drivers, according to Officer Joseph Miller of the Madera area California Highway Patrol. “We have the maximum amount of officers out on the roads, and we also conduct DUI checkpoints and things like that.”...